Council Affairs Director

Overview

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) is an intergovernmental organization, founded in November 2020 to enable digital prosperity for all by accelerating the inclusive and sustainable growth of the digital economy. Through enhanced cooperation and dialogue, the DCO seeks to establish within its Member States the optimal and conducive environment within which all individual, businesses and societies can innovate and thrive. The DCO fosters multilateral collaboration across sectors to allow governments, the private sector, and civil society to co-design impact-driven initiatives for the digital economy. The Cabinet has been established to ensure the consistency, continuity, and efficiency of the Organization in its sound development and institutional relations with Members States, Observers, and Strategic Partners.

As part of the Cabinet, the Council Affairs team plays a key role by:

  • Ensuring the Secretariat of the DCO Council of Ministers and all subsidiary bodies (incl. the Executive Committee) created in accordance with the Charter and the Bylaws of the Organization.
  • Leading the preparation of the annual General Assembly, in cooperation with the Presidency of the Council.
  • Leading the communication and cooperation between the General Secretariat, the DCO Council Presidency, the Chair of the Executive Committee, and other bodies created by the DCO Council.

Job Purpose

The DCO is looking a Director for Council Affairs.

The Senior Director for Council Affairs will report to the Chief of Cabinet and support consistency, continuity, and efficiency of the activities of the DCO Council as well as the other subsidiary bodies created by the Council in accordance with the Charter and Bylaws of the organization. This is a pivotal role in supporting and facilitating the decision-making process of the highest governing body of the organization, as well as its subsidiaries. The Director for Council Affairs will establish the Secretariat of the DCO Council of Minister (Regular and Special Meeting), which will serve as the central administrative and coordination hub for the Council. The Director for Council Affairs will foster a collaborative and inclusive cooperation environment to encourage consensus
building among Member States.

Job Responsibilities & Duties

The main responsibilities for the role are:

  • Lead the design and execution of each meeting in terms of overall organization and the operation of the session (in coordination with the Event, IT, and Communication Team)
  • Coordinate and manage the development and submission of resolutions and decisions in compliance with the rules and regulations.
  • Lead seamless communication and information flow between the General Secretariat, Member States, and other relevant stakeholders.
  • Support Member States in the preparation, and contribution to the DCO General Assembly.
  • Ensure the smooth and procedurally correct conduct of votes.
  • Prepare the final report(s) and the Minutes of the Meeting.
  • Maintain documentation system for all Member States meetings and decisions.
  • Share regular update about the progress of the DCO initiatives and activities.
  • Hold the institutional memory on the rules of procedure and best practices.
  • Prepare the procedural notes for the presiding officer and the list of speakers.
  • Collaborate with other departments of the DCO General Secretariat to ensure seamless integration of the DCO Council decisions into the broader organization framework.

Qualifications

  • Essential:
    • A Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Sciences, Public Administration, or related field.
    • A minimum of 15 years of experience working in intergovernmental organizations, diplomatic services, governments bodies, and multilateral agencies.
    • Demonstrate experience in managing and coordinating high-level meetings, preferably in intergovernmental context.
    • Fluent in English (spoken and written)
  • Desirable:
    • Fluent in other languages (including DCO Members States)
    • Knowledge of international relations, global governance structure, and the functioning of intergovernmental organizations.

Skills

  • An experienced director, with line management and project management experience.
  • A strong networker with a track record in stakeholder engagement, negotiation, relationship cultivation and consensus building.
  • A strong writer, with excellent drafting skills, including the ability to shape complex explanatory notes.
  • Capacity to work under pressure, prioritize tasks, meet tight deadlines, while maintaining attention to details.
  • A self-starter, who can work independently and takes challenges, maintaining a positive and energised outlook which motivates those around you.
  • Available for travel abroad.